Application of electrochemistry (Ⅱ)--Development and application of electrochemical capacitor

As an energy storage element, electrochemical capacitors have many advantages including high power density, fast charge and discharge rates, wide range of working temperature, long cycle life, excellent safety and environmental friendliness, and, as a result, attract worldwide attention. Since the patent filed in 1957, several generations of electrochemical capacitors have been developed due to significant progress in electrode materials and electrolytes. Electrochemical capacitors have been playing an important role in a number of application areas. Examples include energy storage, electro mobile and automatic control. This paper first introduces the history and fundamental aspects of the electrochemical capacitors. Then, a brief summary is given of the applications of the devices. Finally, prospect and future research directions of the area are discussed.